Amazon Kindle Support Withdrawn for Older Models as New Devices Go on Sale
Amazon is reportedly ending support for older Kindle devices, specifically those released in or before 2012, which will prevent users from purchasing or borrowing new books on these models starting May 20. According to reports from Reddit users, an email from Amazon has informed some customers of this change, though not all owners of affected devices have received such notifications.
Affected Kindle Models and User Options
The full list of Kindle devices impacted by this support withdrawal includes:
- Kindle 1st generation from 2007
- Kindle 2nd generation released in 2009
- Kindle DX from 2010
- Kindle DX Graphite also released in 2010
- Kindle Keyboard also from 2010
- Kindle 4 launched in 2011
- Kindle Touch also released in 2011
- Kindle Fire 1st generation from 2011
- Kindle 5 released in 2012
- Kindle Paperwhite 1st generation also launched in 2012
- Kindle Fire 2nd generation from 2012
- Kindle Fire HD 7 tablet also released in 2012
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9 from 2012
Owners of these devices will still be able to read previously downloaded books and access their accounts after May 20, but they will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download additional books. This leaves users with two primary choices: either buy a large number of books before the deadline or upgrade to a newer Kindle model.
Limited-Time Sale on New Kindle Devices
In a timely development, Amazon is offering discounts on several new Kindle models, but only for a very limited period, ending at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 9. The sale includes:
- Amazon Kindle (newest gen) 16GB: Now £74.99, down from £94.99. This model features a 6-inch glare-free display, brighter front light, higher contrast ratio, and faster page turns, available in black or matcha green.
- Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (newest gen) 16GB: Now £189, reduced from £239.99. It offers a 7-inch Colorsoft display optimised for reading in colour, with high contrast and eye-friendly paper-like colour.
- Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (newest gen) 32GB: Now £219, discounted from £269.99. This edition includes double the storage, auto-adjusting light, and wireless charging, in addition to USB-C connectivity.
Amazon Prime members benefit from free delivery on eligible items, while non-Prime customers may incur delivery charges depending on their order.
How to Identify Your Kindle Model
For users uncertain about their Kindle model, Amazon provides a simple two-step process to check:
- From anywhere on the device, swipe down from the top and select All Settings.
- Go to Device Options and select Device Info.
If you discover that your device is among the older models losing support, this sale presents an opportunity to upgrade and enjoy newer features. The change highlights the rapid evolution of technology and the need for periodic updates to maintain functionality.
